Co-op imposes ban on GM foods

A TOTAL ban on genetically modified foods has been announced by Manchester-based Co-op - Britain's biggest farmer. The company, which sells £5 billion worth of food each year, made its decision following a widespread customer survey.

A TOTAL ban on genetically modified foods and ingredients has been announced by the Manchester-based Co-op - Britain's biggest farmer.

The company, which sells £5 billion worth of food each year, made its decision following a widespread customer survey.

It found a majority of people quizzed were firmly against GM foods.

The Co-op says it will not grow GM crops on its own land - even if the government insists it is safe. It will also refuse to sell GM food under its own brand in its supermarkets and will not invest money in GM technology.

The move follows calls last week for the government to reject the idea of commercial planting of GM crops after a three-year study revealed harmful effects on wildlife in some cases.

Pressure

The report on trials of genetically modified beet and oilseed rape on 100 farms - some in Cheshire - concluded that growing them on a large scale would destroy the natural habitats of birds, bees and butterflies.

However tests on GM maize showed a benefit to wildlife.

The Co-op's stance is likely to put strong pressure on other supermarket chains to follow suit.

Environmental campaigners Friends of the Earth today welcomed the Co-op's announcement, congratulating the company on its stance.